[Tom Edgerton]

Hi guys--

I think one possible subtext in all of this is that the more we communicate and coach each other regarding pricing and other professional issues, the better for all. And once again, the internet has proven invaluable in this discussion.

In commercial illustration, it used to make me and fellow illustrators in our area furious when some new guy would drastically undercut the going rate for a job, not out of a sound professional strategy but out of pure ignorance. They'd give the work away for virtually nothing and never get a clue over time, and it eroded the market precipitously for everyone in the community.

Clients should expect to pay a decent professional rate for the work they've asked for. I'm always astounded at someone that drives a $40,000 car and balks at paying $500 for a family heirloom created to last several hundred years. You do the math.

Of course we can't all charge the same thing, but an artist shouldn't work for nothing just because they don't know what to ask for. We need to share information with each other about all professional issues, including pricing. In the end it will make us all stronger. In this case, a rising tide DOES lift all boats.

Love to all--TE